Dear Anita,

My goodness, I could not hold back my tears when I read your response. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your beautiful response. I really felt that you understood my feelings so well. I thank you for showing such empathy to a perfect stranger.

I love that you told me to look at plants and animals to see their resilience, of course this is so true. And I have seen many instances of this, your response reminded me to really ponder them.

I desperately needed to hear that her kids would be ok no matter what. As you said, so long as their pain is seen and listened to. I just loved that. Your response came right while I was looking after them while my sister and her husband were at an appointment. I made sure to remind my nieces how much I adore them and when one of them was crying over a matter with the other and we talked about it, I thanked them for expressing their feelings and let the know how important their feelings were to me.

It is so true that kids, even adults, can pull away from a person in a situation like this, trying to create that emotional distance to protect themselves.  I am grateful that you brought this to light and I will most certainly look out for it with my nieces.

Anita, I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your thoughtful and kind response. Your words gave me strength. I am deeply inspired and thankful to you. I send all my good wishes to you.

Sasha